A representative for the singer later released a statement about the incident, saying: “Craig and Shane would like to thank everybody who has shown concern and sent love following recent events.

“Both Craig and Shane narrowly escaped the events unharmed but are limited on what they can say as they are still waiting for confirmation via the police.

“The situation was a violent homophobic unprovoked attack at their home in Kent at 3am on Sunday morning. The attack was lead by an early 20-year-old female wielding a knife.

“Craig and Shane have been working closely with police who have been very supportive, however, they feel failed by the justice system as the female has since been released on bail for only section Four of the public order act for homophobic slur and possibly escaped charges for attempted knife attack.”

Craig Colton competed in the eighth series of The X Factor, alongside Little Mix, Marcus Collins and Amelia Lily.